What does hologram mean?
A hologram is a three-dimensional image created by recording and reconstructing light. Traditional holograms are produced with laser light and specialized photographic techniques, allowing the recorded pattern to be illuminated so that it appears to occupy space and change perspective as the viewer moves. The term is now also used for digital or virtual representations designed to imitate this effect, such as animated figures that appear to stand or move within a display. In everyday speech, “hologram” can sometimes be used loosely for any image that appears unusually lifelike or spatially convincing. Technically, however, a hologram differs from a conventional photograph because it records information about the direction and phase of incoming light, enabling a viewer to perceive depth. The word combines the Greek holos, meaning “whole,” with gramma, meaning “written message,” reflecting the idea of capturing a complete wavefront of light.
nounA hologram is a recording of a light field that can be illuminated to produce a three-dimensional image. In popular usage, the term also refers to any three-dimensional or virtual image presented as a hologram.
- A recording of a light field that can be illuminated to produce an image with three-dimensional depth.
- A three-dimensional image, often of a person or object, presented through optical, holographic, or digital display technology.
"A small hologram appeared above the display, turning slowly as it reflected the museum's light."
"The archive preserves a hologram of the performer captured during the original concert."
"The company uses an animated hologram of its founder to greet visitors at the exhibition."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"The gallery displayed several holograms created from archival recordings."
A hologram can look three-dimensional, yet what its viewer sees is ultimately a carefully reconstructed pattern of light.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hologram come from?
The word was coined in the 1940s for three-dimensional images made by recording wavefronts of light. It combines Greek holos, meaning “whole,” with Greek gramma, meaning “writing” or “a written message,” reflecting the recording of a complete light field. The process was developed by Hungarian physicist Dennis Gabor, whose work on wavefront reconstruction eventually led to practical holographic techniques.
Related word forms
How hologram is actually used
In technical contexts, the term refers specifically to a recording that reconstructs a wavefront of light. In popular and digital media, it is used more broadly for convincing three-dimensional images, including fully virtual representations.
Easily confused with hologram
A hologram is the light-field recording or resulting three-dimensional image, whereas a holograph is more specifically a photograph or image made through holography.
Holography is the process of creating holograms, while a hologram is an individual recording or image produced by that process.